Cervical collar

ABSTRACT

A cervical collar that facilitates therapeutic hypothermia is provided and includes a cooling device having a front portion and a back portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side. A fastening device removably couples the back portion to the front portion on the opposite side. The cooling device induces hypothermia in at least a portion of a patient. A sensor is provided that measures a physical characteristic of the patient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/287,227 entitled “CERVICAL COLLAR” filed Oct. 6,2016, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/052,346, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,486,354, entitled “CERVICAL COLLAR”filed Oct. 11, 2013, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/309,173, now abandoned, entitled “CERVICALCOLLAR” filed Dec. 1, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/419,018 entitled “CERVICAL COLLAR” filedon Dec. 2, 2010 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/834,781 entitled “CERVICAL COLLAR” filed on Apr.16, 2019. The entirety of each of the above-noted applications isincorporated herein by reference.

ORIGIN

The innovation disclosed herein relates to a cervical collar and moreparticularly to a cervical collar employing a cooling device fortherapeutic hypothermia.

BACKGROUND

A “neck brace” or “cervical collar” is a medical, and more particularlyan orthopedic, device that is often used to support the cervical portionof a patient's spinal cord by immobilizing the head and neck region.These devices are often used by emergency medical technicians (EMTs),for example when responding to victims of traumatic head or neckinjuries. Other uses of the devices include treatment of chronic medicalconditions, sports injuries or the like.

Traumatic head or neck injury can expose a patient to extensive spinalcord injury which could escalate to full or partial paralysis, or evendeath. In an effort to minimize these risks and to stabilize the topvertebrae, EMTs, and other medical personnel, often position a cervicalcollar on patients as a precautionary measure. Additional stabilizationmethods can be accomplished by way of other devices such as a backboard.Other uses of the cervical collar are for treatment of injuriesincluding, strains, sprains or whiplash.

The innovation disclosed herein is an improvement to the conventionalcervical collars described above.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in orderto provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the innovation or todelineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance one aspect of the innovation, a system that facilitatestherapeutic hypothermia that includes a cervical/neck collar includingan outer shell having a front portion and a back portion fixedly coupledto the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the frontportion on an opposite side, and a bladder disposed on an interior ofthe outer shell, wherein the bladder selectively targets blood flowingthrough cerebral circulation arteries thereby changing a temperature ofthe blood flowing through the cerebral circulation arteries to apatient's brain.

In accordance with another aspect of the innovation, a system isdisclosed that facilitates prevention of over-heating and/or comfortthat includes a cervical/neck collar that includes an outer shell havinga front portion and a back portion fixedly coupled to the front portionon one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an oppositeside, a bladder configured to hold fluid disposed on an interior of theouter shell.

In accordance with another aspect of the innovation, a cervical collaris disclosed that includes an outer shell having a front portion and aback portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side andremovably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side, a bladderconfigured to hold fluid disposed on an interior of the outer shell, andan indicator that changes color based on a change in a measurable event,wherein the bladder is the indicator.

In accordance with another aspect of the innovation, a cervical collaris disclosed that includes a bladder without an outer shell. In oneaspect, the bladder may comprise an outer portion that is more rigidthan an inner portion.

In accordance with still another aspect of the innovation, a method oftargeted temperature management (e.g., inducing therapeutic hypothermiaor warming) or increasing comfort is disclosed that includes placing acervical/neck collar on a user's neck (e.g., a patient), circulatingcooling or warming fluid through the collar, determining a differentialthreshold, measuring the patient's core temperature, measuring thepatient's cerebral vasculature temperature, determining a differencebetween the patient's core temperature and the patient's cerebralvasculature temperature, comparing the difference to the differentialthreshold, and determining if the difference meets the differentialthreshold.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles of the innovation can be employed and thesubject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and theirequivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of theinnovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are exterior and interior views of a cervical collarincorporating a cooling device in accordance with aspects of theinnovation.

FIG. 3 is a block type diagram of the cervical collar of FIGS. 1 and 2incorporating an example embodiment of the cooling device in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cervical collar of FIGS. 1 and2 fitted to the patient in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cervical collarincorporating a cooling device in accordance with aspects of theinnovation.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the cervical collar of FIG. 5 in accordance withaspects of the innovation.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the cervical collar of FIG. 5 in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the cervical collar of FIG. 5 in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 8A is a block type diagram of another embodiment of a cervicalcollar incorporating a cooling device in accordance with aspects of theinnovation.

FIGS. 9-11 are perspective, front and side views respectively of a fluidsource in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 11A illustrates a method of operating the cervical collar withportable fluid sources in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustration of an external fluid systemfluidly communicating with the cervical collar in accordance with anaspect of the innovation.

FIG. 12A illustrates a method of transitioning from a portable fluidsource to an external fluid system in accordance with aspects of theinnovation.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the cervical collar of FIG. 5 incorporating atemperature sensing device in accordance with an aspect of theinnovation.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustration of the external cooling systemcommunicating with peripheral electronic devices in accordance with anaspect of the innovation.

FIG. 14A is a block diagram illustration of the cervical collarcommunicating with peripheral electronic devices in accordance with anaspect of the innovation.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method of operating the cervical collar of FIG. 13in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 15A illustrates a method of adjusting cooling fluid in the cervicalcollar in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cervical collarincorporating a cooling device in accordance with aspects of theinnovation.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the cervical collar of FIG. 16 in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the cervical collar of FIG. 16 in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the cervical collar of FIG. 16 in accordancewith aspects of the innovation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however,that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the one or moremethodologies shown herein, e.g., in the form of a flow chart, are shownand described as a series of acts, it is to be understood andappreciated that the subject innovation is not limited by the order ofacts, as some acts may, in accordance with the innovation, occur in adifferent order and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown anddescribed herein. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required toimplement a methodology in accordance with the innovation.

Following is a discussion of the innovation and some exampleapplications of the features, functions and benefits of employing astabilizing device having a cooling (or warming device for certainmedical applications) device as described herein. The innovation, in abroad application, is directed to the concept of induced or therapeutichypothermia. Therapeutic hypothermia is a medical treatment for loweringone's core temperature to, for example, around 33° Celsius or othertarget temperature. Therapeutic hypothermia can be used to reduce therisk of tissue injury due to a period of insufficient blood flow causedby, for example, cardiac arrest or the occlusion of an artery by anembolism, as often occurs in the case of strokes. Studies havedemonstrated, as is appreciated by those knowledgeable in the art thatpatients at risk for ischemic brain injuries have better results iftreated with therapeutic hypothermia within the first sixty minutes,known as the “golden hour” by medical personnel, after the traumaticevent.

Therapeutic hypothermia may be induced by either invasive ornon-invasive procedures. Some non-invasive procedures may includepacking or placing cold packs, cold compresses in the axil area, underthe armpits or in the groin area to try to cool blood vessels. Anothernon-invasive procedure includes placing a chilled water blanket or torsovest and/or leg wraps in direct contact with the patient's skin. Someinvasive procedures may include administering approximately 2,000 ccs(two bags) of a normal chilled saline solution, often referred to as acrystalloid, or placing a catheter in the inferior vena cava via thefemoral vein.

The innovation disclosed herein enables pre-hospital care providers toget a thorough jumpstart of inducing therapeutic hypothermia through anon-invasive procedure. As used herein, pre-hospital care providers caninclude care administered by EMTs, paramedics, army medics, sportstrainers, etc. In other words, the innovation can be employed by mostanyone in the field. Similarly, the features, functions and benefits canbe employed in a hospital or other medical care facility withoutdeparting from the spirit and/or scope of the innovation describedherein. Thus, the innovation disclosed herein can be used by any type ofmedical personnel including those in the field or in a facility by amedical professional or caregiver.

While the innovation and the example embodiments described herein aredirected to a cervical collar that includes a cooling device to targetthe carotid artery, it is to be appreciated that the features, functionsand benefits of the innovation can be applied to other regions of thebody for cooling or warming and for uses other than medical ortherapeutic uses. Essentially, most any region whereby blood flows andcan be affected by the cooling device of the cervical collar. In oneembodiment, the cervical collar may act as a stabilizing device. Forinstance, areas where pulse points are located are most often goodcandidate regions for placement of the innovation. For example, inaddition to the spinal/neck region, the innovation can be employed inthe axil area, groin area, legs, arms, torso, etc. As will beunderstood, in order to enhance effects of cooling, it is important tocool as much blood as possible, thus, highly vascular regions are keyregions for implementation, e.g., jugular veins, carotid arteries. Inaddition, it is to be understood that the innovation disclosed hereincan also be used as a warming device. Thus, the innovation can beconnected to a fluid source that can be used to circulate warming fluidthrough the innovation as described herein. Therefore, the examplecervical collar disclosed herein is for illustrative purposes only andis not intended to limit the scope of the innovation.

In accordance with some aspects of the innovation, the innovationfacilitates the placement of the cooling device in strategic anatomicalpositions on the neck region. Thus, the cooling device of the cervicalcollar can target the carotid arteries, which supplies the supply ofblood flow to the brain, in the interior portion of the neck. In otheraspects, the cooling device can target the posterior portion of the neckto cool the cervical areas of the neck to decrease swelling around theposterior portion of the neck including the spinal cord area andessentially cooling the neck as a whole. Thus, the cervical collar iscapable of decreasing the temperature of the blood in highly vascularregions so as to enhance induced hypothermic reaction. Morespecifically, the cervical collar can selectively cool the cerebralvasculature relative to the whole body thereby inducing hypothermia.Because the cooling effect to the patient is targeted to a specific area(e.g., the brain), any side effects associated with whole body coolingare significantly reduced. Effectively, the cervical collar can mostoften be employed in three primary scenarios, stroke, heart attack, andhead/neck injury or trauma.

It is to be understood that the innovation may be employed innon-medical and non-therapeutic scenarios. Reference to a “patient” isintended to include any user.

It is also to be understood that reference to a “cervical collar” isintended to include any device that can be worn around the neck to offercooling/heating as described herein. It is intended that the terms“cervical collar,” “cervical/neck collar” and “collar” be usedinterchangeably.

For example, the cervical/neck collar may be used to provide comfort orto prevent over-heating (e.g., heatstroke in, for example, a hotenvironment or during strenuous activities that include heavy equipment,such as military exercises/operations or athletics). It is furthercontemplated that a user may utilize the collar in situations wherecooling would provide comfort. For example, the user may be outside on ahot day and may utilize the collar for purposes of comfort. It is alsocontemplated that the cervical collar could be used to preventover-heating in situations where over-heating is suspected or possible.For example, during athletic events, a user may become over-heated or bein danger of becoming over-heated. In another example, the collar couldbe used by a first responder or soldier in situations involving extremetemperatures (hot or cold). The cervical collar could be employedprophylactically before signs of over-heating appear or could beemployed once signs of over-heating appear so as to provide comfort andreduce the risks associated with over-heating.

It is also to be appreciated that any of the methods described hereinare applicable to any user, whether for medical or non-medical purposes.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exampleembodiment of a stabilizing device, such as a cervical collar 100 thatincludes a cooling device in accordance with aspects of the innovation.The cervical collar 100 is most often used to immobilize one's neck in atrauma situation. The cervical collar 100 includes a front portion 102,an optional support 104 for supporting a patient's chin attached to thefront portion 102, a back portion 106, and a fastening device 108 suchas a strap. The fastening device 108 is attached to one side of the backportion 106 and extends toward the front portion 102. When the patientis wearing the cervical collar 100, the fastening device 108 removablyattaches one side of the front portion 102 to thereby couple the frontportion 102 to the back portion 106. The fastening device 108 may be anytype of device, such as but not limited to a strap that employs aVelcro™-type fastener, snaps, buttons, hooks, etc. It is to beappreciated that most any means for attachment and/or adjustment can beemployed in accordance with other aspects of the innovation. It is to befurther appreciated that the fastening device 108 is adjustable to allowthe cervical collar 100 to conform to patients having different sizednecks.

It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments, the collar does notfully encircle a user's neck. In some embodiments, the collar mayinclude a contiguous portion that is configured to securely fit around auser's neck without coupling a front portion and a back portion toencircle the user's neck. In some embodiments, the collar may have agenerally U-shaped configuration.

The front and back portion 102, 106 are both made from a soft foammaterial that can be bent to conform to with the patient's neck, back,and shoulders. It is to be appreciated, however, that the front and backportion 102, 106 can be made from any suitable material as long as itconforms to the patient's neck, such as but not limited to, natural andsynthetic polymers, carbon-reinforced materials, metal wire reinforcedmaterials, etc.

It is to be appreciated that, while immobilization in specific scenarios(e.g., neck immobilization) is discussed in detail, the innovation andits features, functions and benefits can be used in other applicationsand scenarios without departing from the spirit and scope of the coolingeffects described herein. In other words, it is to be understood that,while enhancing the cooling effects in response to an injury orcondition, in accordance with some embodiments of the innovation neednot also immobilize an injured area (e.g., the spinal area). Theseadditional embodiments are to be included within the scope of thedisclosure and claims appended hereto.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a flexible integrated outer shell 110is attached to both the back portion 106 and the front portion 102thereby coupling the other side of the front portion 102 to the otherside of the back portion 106. The outer shell 110 can be attached to thefront and back portion 102, 106 via any suitable means, such as but notlimited to, an adhesive, rivets, etc. The outer shell 110 is flexible ina horizontal direction thus, allowing the cervical collar 100 to attacharound the patient's neck. The outer shell 110, however, is more rigidin the vertical direction thus, giving the cervical collar itsstabilization characteristics. In one embodiment, the outer shell may beflexible (e.g., not rigid in any direction) for circumstances whereimmobilization is not desired/warranted. The outer shell 110 can be anysuitable rigid material or non-rigid material, such as but not limitedto a molded plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polystyrene, etc.).

It is to be appreciated that, while a cervical collar having an outershell is discussed in detail, the innovation includes embodimentswherein the cervical collar does not include a separate outer shell. Inother words, the cervical collar may include a bladder (described morefully below) and does not include a separate outer shell. Theseembodiments are to be included within the scope of the disclosure andthe claims as appended hereto.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the support 104 for supporting the patient'schin, also referred to as a chin cup, is attached to the front portion102. It is to be appreciated that the support 104 is an optional deviceand the cervical collar 100 can still perform its intended function inaccordance with aspects of the innovation without employing the support104. The support 104 is disposed beneath the patient's chin for cervicalsupport. The support 104 includes an attachment piece 112 that attachesto the front portion 102 and a rest piece 114. The attachment piece 112includes two leg members 116 and a curved portion 118 connecting the twoleg members 116. The leg members 116 are attached, via rivets or anyother suitable means, to the front portion 102 to secure the support 104to the cervical collar 100. The rest piece 114 is attached, via anadhesive or any other suitable means, to the curved portion 118 tosupport the patient's chin.

The support 104 can be fixedly attached or adjustably attached to thecervical collar 100. It is understood that individuals have differentsize necks and chins. Thus, in accordance with aspects of theinnovation, the support 104 can be height (or otherwise) adjustable orinterchangeable to facilitate comfort and enhanced immobilizationeffect. For example, in accordance with aspects of the innovation, thesupport 104 can be adjusted using a tongue and groove mechanism, wherethe support 104 can act like a tongue and the cervical collar 100 canemploy the associated grooves. In accordance with other aspects of theinnovation, the support 104 can include preselected heights. Forexample, a spring-button can be used that catches within a hole in thecervical collar 100 to secure the support 104 at a pre-selected heightposition. It is to be appreciated that other aspects can employ grooves,hardware (e.g., wing-nuts), etc. for adjustment without departing fromthe scope of the innovation. Thus, the adjustability of the support 104and the cervical collar 100, via the fastening device 108, provides auniversal fit and applicability of the innovation. Therefore, thecervical collar 100 is adjustable for both length (e.g., support 104) aswell as width (e.g., fastening device 108).

In the examples illustrated below, the cervical collar 100 furtherincludes a cooling device that may be in the form of a cooling pack(e.g., chemical pack) integrated into the cervical collar 100, aretainer to receive and hold a cooling pack (e.g., chemical pack, icepack, sterile water cooling pack, etc.), or a bladder having chambers toallow cooling fluid to be pumped through essential portions of thecervical collar 100. It is to be appreciated that while pumping coolingfluid through the chambers of the bladder is described specificallyherein, any method/means of causing cooling fluid to circulatethroughout the bladder can be used without departing from the spirit andscope of the circulation of cooling fluid described herein. In otherwords, cooling fluid may be pushed and/or pulled to accomplish thedesired circulation of cooling fluid.

While the embodiments described herein are generally related to fluidsin a liquid state, it is to be appreciated that alternative aspectsexist that employ other fluid states/phases such as air and gas toaccomplish the features, functions and benefits described herein. Thesealternative embodiments are to be included within the scope of thisspecification and claims appended hereto.

The cervical collar 100 may optionally include features to permit accessto areas of a patient for administration of medications or othertreatments. For example, the cervical collar may include medicalapplication openings within the outer shell. These openings may bestrategically placed so as to permit access to specific regions (e.g.,veins). In one embodiment, these openings may comprise perforated orotherwise removable portions to permit customized access according toneed. For example, the medical application opening may comprise aportion of the cervical collar (e.g., the outer shell or the bladder ifthere is no outer shell) that is removable with force (e.g., pressureapplied to a perforated region) to create medical application opening(s)only where needed.

In an alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the cervical collar(e.g., the outer shell or the bladder if there is no outer shell)comprises a penetrable material (e.g., able to be penetrated by medicalequip such as a needle).

In yet another alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the cervicalcollar may include a movable portion to permit access. For example, thematerial may be arranged in overlapping slats wherein each slat is atleast somewhat moveable so as to permit access for medical treatment(e.g., insertion of a needle for medication or an IV).

FIG. 2 illustrates one example embodiment of the cooling device inaccordance with aspects of the innovation. The cooling device in thisembodiment is a cooling pack 200 that can be either integrated into thecervical collar 100 or can be inserted into a retaining device describedbelow. The cooling pack 200 can be strategically disposed at essentiallocations on the cervical collar 100 to target the areas of the neckdescribed above. For example, one or more cooling packs 200 can belocated on the front portion 102 to target the carotid arteries. Inaddition, one or more cooling packs 200 can be located on the backportion 106 to target the spinal cord area. The cooling pack 200 can beany type of cooling pack, such as but not limited to chemical pack(e.g., granule-activation packets that when activated releases a coolingagent to provide the desired cooling effect). For example, thegranule-activation packets use ammonium nitrate and water. When a userstrikes the cooling pack 200 with the palm of a hand, a prescribedamount of water will mix with the ammonium nitrate thereby creating acold compress. Once the cooling packs 200 are activated, the cervicalcollar 100 can be placed on the patient to provide the desiredtherapeutic hypothermia to essential portions of the neck area describedabove.

The retaining device receives and holds a cooling pack, such as but notlimited to, an ice pack or a chemical pack as described above. Theretaining device can be strategically disposed at essentials locationson the cervical collar 100 to target the areas of the neck describedabove. For example, one or more retaining devices can be located on aninterior side of the front portion 102 to target the carotid arteries.In addition, one or more retainers can be located on an interior side ofthe back portion 106 to target the spinal cord area. The retainingdevice can be in the form of a pocket, a pouch, straps, etc. and can bemade from any suitable material, such as but not limited to, plastic, amesh like material, etc. that sufficiently conducts the cooling effectsof the cooling pack. It is to be appreciated that the options for thetype and material of the retaining device are limitless and as such allof which are included in the scope of the innovation.

For example, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustration of the cervicalcollar 100 described above incorporating an example retaining device 300in accordance with aspects of the innovation. The retaining device 300includes a channel 302 and one or more covers 304 to hold the coolingpack 200 described above in place. The cover 304 may be made from anymaterial that sufficiently conducts the cooling effects of the coolingpack 200 and that does not irritate the patient's skin. Further, thecover 304 can be a single piece or multiple pieces. In this embodiment,the cervical collar 100 can be packaged and transported in a flatcondition to save space in transport vehicles such as emergency medicalvehicles. When emergency personnel require the use of the cervicalcollar 100, the cooling pack 200 can be inserted or slid into thechannel 302 and placed on the patient. When the cervical collar 100 isplaced on the patient, the cooling pack 200 will activate therebyproviding the required cooling effect. It is to be appreciated that thecooling pack 200 can be integrated into the channel 302 thus, saving theemergency personnel the time of placing the cooling pack into thechannel 302. Once the cooling packs are secured by the one or moreretaining devices, the cervical collar 100 can be placed on the patientto provide the desired therapeutic hypothermia to essential portions ofthe neck area described above.

For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cervicalcollar 100 described above fitted on a patient. As illustrated, thecervical collar 100 has the ability to provide therapeutic hypothermiaupon vascular regions to facilitate promptly treating a patient and tominimize risk of further injury than that of conventional cervicalcollars.

FIGS. 5-8 represent another example embodiment of a cervical collar 500(hereinafter “collar”) incorporating a cooling/warming device. In thisembodiment, the cooling/warming device allows cooling (or warming) fluidfrom an external fluid source, such as but not limited to, a portablefluid source or an external continuous fluid system to be squeezed orpumped into and/or circulated through essential portions of the collar500. The collar 500 includes an outer shell 502, an adjustable support(not shown), and a bladder 506. It is to be appreciated that while thecollar 500 can be used for inducing hypothermia, in some embodiments,the collar 500 can also be used for other purposes when a patient doesnot require therapeutic hypothermia. In one embodiment, the collar maybe in fluid communication with additional cooling/warming devices suchas a vest having a cooling/warming bladder or cooling/warming pouch. Thevest may also be connected to a portable fluid source or an externalcontinuous fluid system that is the same or different than the fluidsource for the collar.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer shell 502 includes a front portion508 fixedly coupled to a back portion 510 on one side and a fasteningdevice 512 attached to the back portion 510 and removably coupling thefront and back portions 508, 510 on an opposite side. The features ofthe fastening device 512 are similar to the fastening device 108described above and, as such, will not be repeated.

The outer shell 502 is made from a flexible plastic material, such asbut not limited to polyethylene, polystyrene, etc. Further, both thefront and back portions 508, 510 include multiple panels 514 eachconnected by hinged portions 516 that further facilitate in theflexibility of the outer shell 502. This configuration allows EMTpersonnel to control the flexibility of the collar 500 and easily adjustthe collar 500 to fit the patient. In addition, the flexibilitycharacteristic allows the collar 500 to be packaged in a flat statethereby optimizing volume space for shipping and/or storage purposes.The front portion 508 of the outer shell 502 further includes multipleslots 518 and multiple recesses 520 disposed on each side of each slot518. The multiple slots 518 and multiple recesses 520 facilitateattachment and adjustment of the support to the collar 500 subsequentlydescribed.

The support is used to support the patient's chin and is adjustable toconform to the patient similar to the support 104 described above. Thesupport includes attachment legs that attach the support to the frontportion 508 and a connection part connecting distal ends of theattachment legs. The connection part serves to support the patient'schin. Multiple slots 518 are defined in the front portion 508 to receivethe attachment legs to thereby connect the support to the collar 500.The support can be adjusted by sliding each attachment leg in each slot518 to a desired position. The attachment legs engage recesses 520defined on each side of each slot 518 to lock the support in its desiredposition.

As mentioned above, the connection part provides a connection betweenthe distal ends of the attachment legs. The connection point between theattachment legs and the connection part is hinged to facilitatepackaging. Specifically, when the collar 500 is packaged in a flatstate, mentioned above, one attachment leg is disconnected from thecollar 500 and laid in a flat state. This is possible because of thehinged connection.

Referring to FIG. 8, the bladder 506 is a single piece bladder typedevice that includes multiple cooling chambers (or reservoirs) 530,multiple passageways 532, an inlet port 534, and an outlet port 536. Thepassageways 532 provide a fluid connection between the chambers 530 andthe inlet port 534, between the chambers 530 and the outlet port 536,and between the chambers 530 themselves.

The bladder 506 attaches to an interior portion of the outer shell 502and can be made from multiple sheets of a flexible material that isconducive to conducting the cooling effects of the cooling, such as butnot limited to, polyethylene. The multiple sheets can be arranged innumerous configurations, such as but not limited to, two sheets, threesheets, four sheets, etc. In instances where there are more than twosheets, multiple layers may be arranged on the patient side of thebladder 506 to facilitate the prevention of frost bite. The bladder 506may be attached to the interior portion of the outer shell 502 by anysuitable means, such as but not limited an adhesive.

As described above, in one embodiment, the cervical collar may notinclude a separate outer shell. The bladder may include a back portion(e.g., a patient side) and front portion. In one embodiment, the frontportion of the bladder may comprise a more rigid material than thepatient side. In one embodiment, the back portion may fixedly coupled tothe front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portionon an opposite side.

The chambers 530 are an integral part of the bladder 506. Specifically,to form the chambers 530, the two flexible sheets are placed in a heatmold and hermetically sealed in an area surrounding the desired locationof each chamber 530. Although, the number of cooling chambers 530illustrated in FIG. 8 is three, it is to be understood that theinnovation is not dependent on the number of chambers 530 formed in thebladder 506. Thus, the example embodiment described herein andillustrated in the figures is for illustrative purposes only and is notintended to limit the scope of the innovation. It is to be appreciated,however, that the number and location of the chambers 530 targetsessential areas of the patient's neck (e.g., carotid arteries, spinalarea, etc.) to provide optimum cooling to the cerebral vasculature.

For example, the innovative cervical collar 500 may be configured toselectively cool or target cerebral circulation arteries, which arearteries that supply blood to the brain. More specifically, the cervicalcollar 500 may be configured to target arteries that supply blood to theanterior portion of the brain, known as anterior cerebral circulation.These arteries include the internal (intracranial) carotid arteries,external carotid arteries, anterior cerebellar arteries, anteriorinferior cerebellar arteries, middle cerebral arteries, anterior spinalarteries, the anterior communicating arteries, and the ophthalmicarteries. The cervical collar 500 may also be configured to targetarteries that supply blood to the posterior portion of the brain knownas posterior cerebral circulation, including the occipital lobes, thecerebellum, and the brainstem. These arteries include vertebral veinsand arteries including subclavian arteries, basilar arteries, posteriorcerebral arteries, posterior cerebellar arteries, posterior inferiorcerebellar arteries, posterior communicating arteries, pontine arteries,the superior cerebellar arteries, and the posterior spinal artery. Inaddition, the innovative cervical collar can also be configured toprovide cooling to portions of the cranium, such as but not limited tothe petrous bone.

As mentioned above, the passageways 532 provide a connection between thechambers 530, and between the chambers 530 and the inlet and outletports 534, 536. The passageways 532 may be comprised of embedded tubesor may be integrally formed in the bladder 506. Specifically, multipletubes can be positioned at proper locations in the bladder 506 duringformation of the chambers 530 described above, thus, embedding the tubesin the bladder 506. The passageways 532 may also be integrally formed inthe bladder 506 by hermetically sealing an area surrounding eachpassageway 532 similar to the formation of the chambers 530 describedabove.

The inlet and outlet ports 534, 536 provide a connection between thebladder 506 and the external fluid system or source. The connectionbetween the bladder 506 and the external fluid system or source can beany suitable mechanical connection device, such as but not limited to,quick couplers, a screw type device, etc. Further, the inlet and outletports 534, 536 may include a valve to regulate the flow of cooling fluidinto and/or out of the bladder 506. It is to be appreciated that theinlet port 534 and the outlet port 536 can be switched. In other words,the inlet port 534 can serve as the outlet port 536 and the outlet port536 can serve as the inlet port 534.

In one embodiment, the bladder may include multiple inlet and outletports configured to provide multiple connections between the bladder andan temperature modulation source (e.g., cooling or warming fluid).

Alternatively, still referring to FIG. 8, pockets or sleeves 540 may beattached to one or more chambers 530 that accept cooling packs 200described above. The cooling packs 200 may be used in the event that theexternal fluid system of source is not available.

In still yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, one or more of thechambers 530 may include internal fasteners that connect a front 542 ofthe chamber to the back to thereby create a dimpled pattern 544. Thedimpled pattern 544 flattens out the front surface 540 of the chamber530 to allow more surface area to contact the patient. In addition, theinternal fasteners cause the fluid inside the chambers 530 to flow inmore a random pattern.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the bladder 506 can bemodified to exclude the chambers and simply include passageways 532 thatrun through the bladder 506 in desired locations. The passageways 532would connect to both the inlet and outlet ports 534, 536 to allow thecontinuous circulation of cooling fluid, as described above.

One such example of a fluid source is a portable cooling pack 900illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. The portable cooling pack 900 includes a port902 that acts as both an inlet port and an outlet port. The portablecooling pack 900 is a granule-activation packet that uses a fluid 904,such as but not limited to, water and a chemical 906, such as but notlimited to, ammonium nitrate that when mixed together create a coolingfluid. When a user strikes the portable cooling pack 900 with the palmof their hand, a prescribed amount of water will mix with the ammoniumnitrate thereby creating a cooling fluid. The cooling fluid from theportable cooling pack 900 can then be mechanically pumped or handsqueezed into the bladder 506 via the inlet port 534 and into eachchamber 530 via the passageways 532, as described below.

In addition, once the cooling fluid inside the bladder 506 begins towarm, the empty cooling pack 900 can be attached to the outlet port 536and a new portable cooling pack 900 can be attached to the inlet port534. The cooling fluid from the new portable cooling pack 900 can thenbe pumped or squeezed into the bladder 506 thereby forcing or flushingthe warm fluid out of the bladder 506 through the outlet port 536 andback into the original cooling pack 900. Thus, cooling fluid canessentially be continuously pumped through the collar 506 by EMTpersonnel who do not have access to a continuous external cooling system(described below) in the field. In addition, the fluid may be manuallysqueezed (or pumped) out of the bladder 506 such that the cervicalcollar 500 can function as a collar without the need to pump fluidthrough the bladder 506.

For example, referring to FIG. 11A, at 1102, the cervical collar 500 isplaced on the patient. At 1104, the port 902 of a first cooling pack isconnected to the inlet port 534 of the cervical collar 500. At 1106,cooling fluid from the first cooling pack is squeezed into the bladder506 of the cervical collar 500 thereby filling the cooling chambers 530.At 1108, once the cooling fluid from the first cooling pack reaches anundesirable temperature, the first cooling pack, which is empty, isattached to the outlet port 536 (or alternatively can be or stayconnected to the inlet port 534). At 1110, a second cooling pack isattached to the port not in use (e.g., inlet port or outlet port) on thecervical collar 500. At 1112, cooling fluid from the second cooling packis squeezed into the bladder 506. At 1114, the existing cooling fluid inthe cooling chambers 530 from the first cooling pack is flushed out ofthe cooling chambers 530 and back into the first cooling pack. At 1116,cooling fluid from the second cooling pack fills the cooling chambers530 with cooling fluid of a desired temperature.

In conjunction with the cooling packs 200, 900 previously described, thecervical collar 500 may include an indicator 538 (see FIG. 8) disposedon the retaining device 300 or on the bladder 506 (e.g., on at least onechamber 530 and/or at least one passageway 532) that indicates anapproximate body (core) temperature of the patient and/or an approximatetemperature of the patient's cerebral vasculature and/or an approximatetemperature of the cooling fluid in the fluid source 200, 900. In oneembodiment, the indicator 538 may be an integrated portion of thecervical collar 500. In another embodiment, the indicator 538 may be aseparate temperature sensitive device (e.g., sticker, etc.) that can beattached to the cervical collar 500 by the EMT personnel. The separatetemperature sensitive device may be removable and re-attachable so thatit can be moved to different locations on the cervical collar 500.

In one example, the indicator 538 can sequentially change color based ona change of a measurable event, such as but not limited to a change in atemperature of the cooling fluid. For example, the indicator 538 may bea first color (e.g., blue, dark blue, etc.) when the temperature of thecooling fluid is at a temperature (first temperature) that providesadequate cooling to the patient. As the temperature of the cooling fluidbegins to lose its cooling effect (e.g., the cooling fluid begins towarm) or approaches (or reaches) a second temperature, the indicator 538may turn a second color (e.g., orange). The second temperature can beany temperature that is higher than the first temperature (e.g., “x”degrees warmer than the first temperature). As the temperature ofcooling fluid continues to warm or approaches (or reaches) a thirdtemperature the indicator 538 may turn a third color (e.g., red)indicating that the cooling fluid is no longer providing adequatecooling to the patient. The third temperature can be any temperaturethat is higher than the second temperature and obviously higher than thefirst temperature (e.g., “y” degrees warmer than the second temperature,“z” degrees higher than the first temperature). The indicator 538 canprovide a quick visual means for the EMT personnel to determine if thecooling pack 200 should be replaced or if additional cooling fluidshould be pumped into bladder 506 with another cooling pack 900.

Similarly, when the warm cooling fluid is flushed out and replaced withcold cooling fluid, the color of the indicator can change back to thefirst color (e.g., blue, dark blue, etc.). In addition, if the coolingfluid is gradually cooled from a warm temperature, the color of theindicator can change back in sequence toward the first color. As thecooling fluid once again begins to warm, the above process can startover again.

In another example embodiment, the indicator 538 can change color basedon a change of a measurable event, such as but not limited to, a passageof time where specific colors may represent an incremental passage oftime. For example, the indicator 538 may be a first color (e.g., blue,dark blue, etc.) when the cooling fluid is first introduced. As timepasses (e.g., 1, minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, etc.) the indicator 538may change color to a second color (e.g., orange) to alert the EMTpersonnel how much time has passed. As more time passes, the indicatormay turn a third color, fourth color, fifth color, etc.

In one example embodiment, the color change may be gradual, which mayrepresent a passage of time in small increments (e.g., 1 minuteincrements, 2 minute increments, etc.). In another example embodiment,the color change may be more defined or abrupt (i.e., changing quicklyfrom one color to another), which may represent a passage of time inlarger increments (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.). For example inone embodiment, orange may represent the passage of 5 minutes, red mayrepresent the passage of 10 minutes, etc. In another example embodiment,every time the indicator changes color may represent an incrementalpassage of time (e.g., any color change represents a 5 minute increment,a 10 minute increment, etc.).

In this example embodiment, the indicator 538 can provide a quick visualmeans for the EMT personnel to determine how much time has passed. Sincetime is very crucial in traumatic head and neck injuries, the quickreference indicator provides the EMT personal a means to quicklydetermine how much time has passed.

In another example embodiment, the bladder 506 or any portion thereof,such as one or more cooling chambers 530 or one or more passageways 532,may act as the indicator. For example, the bladder 506 may be made froma material that changes color based on temperature, as previouslydescribed.

In another example embodiment, the outer shell 502 may be made from atransparent material or may include a viewing window that permits theEMT personnel to view the patient's neck for signs of trauma and/or viewthe indicator 538 described above. In still another embodiment, thebladder 506 may be made from a transparent material that allows the EMTpersonnel to see the cooling fluid. As such, the cooling fluid itselfmay act as the temperature indicator. For example, a color of thecooling fluid may change color as the temperature of the cooling fluidchanges, as described above.

Referring to FIG. 12, as mentioned above, another fluid source 1200 thatthe collar 500 can be connected to is an external cooling system 1200that can continuously pump cooling fluid 1200A at a desired temperaturethrough the bladder 506 thereby and flush out the warm cooling fluid1200B, thereby providing a continuous circulation of cooling fluid atthe desired temperature. Thus, the temperature of the cooling fluid canbe regulated to maintain a predetermined temperature or adjust thetemperature as desired. As such, this embodiment can be used to performtherapeutic hypothermia over an extended period of time to treat aparticular type of injury or perform a particular type of procedure. Forexample, this example embodiment, as well as those described above, canbe in the form of a wrap that employs the bladder 506 to treat injuriesto the arms, shoulder, legs, knees, etc., as well as the neck area,where therapeutic hypothermia is required over an extended period oftime.

Still referring to FIG. 12, it is to be understood that the innovativecervical collar disclosed herein can also be used as a warming device inappropriate medical applications. Thus, the cervical collar can beconnected to the external fluid source 1200 that can pump warming fluidthrough the cervical collar as described herein. In one embodiment, thecollar may be used for targeted temperature management in a hospital ormedical environment. For example, the collar may be used to keep apatient warm during surgery or other medical procedure. In oneembodiment, the collar may be used to modulate a patient's temperaturepost surgery. In one embodiment, the collar may be used for targetedtemperature management in extreme environments, including in coldconditions.

Still referring to FIG. 12, the innovative cervical collar 500 can alsobe used as a compress. For example, in post-operative care, apractitioner can simply set the temperature of the fluid that does notinduce hypothermia for the purpose of applying a cool or warm compressto the designated area. Still further, the practitioner can regulate thetemperature of the fluid to transition between a cold compress and awarm compress and vice versa for therapeutic reasons.

In addition, referring to FIG. 12A, the external cooling system 1200 inconjunction with the cooling packs 900 can provide a smooth transitionfrom providing portable cooling fluid in the field to a continuouscooling system in a medical facility. Thus, once the patient arrives ata medical facility the cooling source can be transitioned from theportable cooling pack 900 described above to the external cooling system1200 as illustrated in FIG. 12A. Specifically, at 1202, the cervicalcollar is placed on the patient. At 1204, the portable cooling pack 900is connected to the inlet port 534. At 1206, cooling fluid from thecooling pack 900 is pumped or hand squeezed into the bladder 506 therebyfilling the cooling chambers 530. At 1208, once the patient arrives at afacility (e.g., medical facility) that has an external cooling system1200, the portable cooling pack 900 is removed from the inlet port 534.At 1210, the external cooling system 1200 is connected to the cervicalcollar 500. At 1212, cooling fluid is pumped into the bladder 506, whichflushes out the existing cooling fluid inside the cooling chambers 532.

It is to be understood that the transition process illustrated in FIG.12A can also be from the continuous cooling system to the portablecooling packs. For example, if a trauma patient is connected to thecontinuous cooling system in a medical facility that is not capable ofhandling trauma patients, the patient can be transitioned from thepermanent system to the portable cooling packs in order to transport thepatient to a trauma facility.

Referring to FIG. 13, the example embodiment of the cervical collar 500illustrated in FIG. 5 above may include one or more temperature sensors1300A or 1300B or 1300C that may measure a body (or core) temperature ofthe patient and/or a cerebral vasculature temperature of the patient.Although like features are referenced in FIG. 13, a description of suchfeatures will not be repeated for simplicity. The temperature sensors1300A-C illustrated in FIG. 13 can be any type of temperature sensor,such as but not limited to, an infrared sensor, a stick tab sensor, etc.The presence of a temperature sensor allows medical personal to not onlymonitor, but also regulate the patient's body and/or cerebralvasculature temperature via the external cooling system mentioned above.Thus, to increase or decrease either temperature of the patient, theflow rate of the external cooling system is either increased ordecreased respectively (alternatively, the temperature of the coolingcan be adjusted as opposed to the flow rate). Thus, medical personnelare able to maintain the patient's body or cerebral vasculaturetemperature at a target temperature to thereby minimize the traumaticeffect to the patient. It is to be understood, that any type of sensorthat measures a physical characteristic of the patient may be includedin the cervical collar. For example, in lieu of or in addition to atemperature sensor, a sensor may be included that measures the patient'spulse, etc.

In one example embodiment, the temperature sensor 1300A can be disposedon the bladder 506 such that when the cervical collar 500 is placed onthe patient, the temperature sensor 1300A is already positioned tomonitor the body temperature of the patient.

In another example embodiment, the temperature sensor 1300B can have atab like configuration that attaches to a bottom edge 546 (as shown inFIG. 13) of the cervical collar 500. Thus, when the cervical collar 500is placed on the patient, the temperature sensor 1300B is alreadypositioned to monitor the body temperature of the patient. It is to beappreciated that the tab like temperature sensor 1300B can attach to atop or side edge of the cervical collar 500.

In still yet another example embodiment, the temperature sensor can beattached to any location (e.g., the outer shell 502, the bladder 506,etc.) on the cervical collar 500 via a tether 1302, as illustrated bytemperature sensor 1300C. Once the cervical collar 500 is in place thetemperature sensor 1300C can be placed on the patient at any convenientlocation, such as but not limited to, the forehead, neck area, etc.

Referring to FIG. 14, in another embodiment, the temperature sensor1300A-C can communicate with the external fluid source 1200 toautomatically control the flow rate of the cooling fluid, therebyautomatically adjusting the body temperature of the patient. Forexample, the body temperature of the patient can be continuouslytransmitted to a control system 1202 of the external fluid source 1200.The control system 1202 can then adjust the flow rate of the coolingfluid to adjust the body temperature until a desired target bodytemperature is reached. Further, the control system 1202 can continuallyor incrementally adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid to graduallyincrease or decrease the patient's body temperature as desired.

In another example embodiment, the control system 1202 can be programmedto automatically adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid to reach atarget temperature based on several factors, including but not limitedto, the patient's characteristics (e.g., the patient's health history ifavailable, the patients physical make-up (e.g., height, weight, etc.)),environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, etc.), etc.

Still referring to FIG. 14, patient information, such as but not limitedto, patient's body temperature, flow rate of cooling fluid, patient'spulse, etc., may be visually displayed via a display 1204 associatedwith the external cooling system or printed via a printer 1206associated with the external cooling system 1200. Further, theinformation may be transmitted from the control system 1202 to a remotelocation (e.g., medical facility) or to an electronic device 1408, suchas but not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a PDA, a computer, etc.

Referring to FIG. 14A, the innovative cervical collar 500 can beconfigured as part of a system that allows the cervical collar 500 tocommunicate with peripheral medical and non-medical equipment 1400A(e.g., fluid sources, thermal imaging devices (camera), temperaturedevices, printer, computer, etc.). Thus, the practitioner can programthe peripheral equipment to set certain parameters. For example, thepractitioner can program a temperature of the fluid, a flow rate of thefluid, a temperature of the patient's cerebral vascular and/or core,etc. Thus, the practitioner can easily achieve desired parameters bysimply programming the peripheral equipment in use with the cervicalcollar 500. The communication between the cervical collar 500 and theperipheral equipment can be wired or wireless (e.g., RF, Bluetooth,etc.).

Referring to FIG. 15, a method of using the collar 500 incorporating thebladder 506 will now be described. At 1502, the collar 500 is placed onthe patient. At 1504, the sensor is properly placed to monitor thepatient's temperature. At 1506, the external cooling system or source isconnected to the bladder via the inlet and outlet ports 534, 536. At1508, cooling fluid from the external cooling system or source is pumpedinto the bladder 506. If desired, at 1510, the cooling fluid can becontinuously circulated through the bladder 506. At 1512, the patient'sbody temperature is monitored. At 1514, the body temperature istransmitted to the control system. At 1516, the flow rate of the coolingfluid is adjusted to regulate the patient's body temperature. At 1518,the target body temperature is achieved.

Referring to FIG. 15A, as mentioned above, in another exampleembodiment, the cervical collar 500 can include multiple temperaturesensors to measure the patient's body (or core) temperature and thetemperature of the patient's cerebral vasculature. The core temperature,the cerebral vasculature temperature, and/or the difference between thetwo can be used to determine if the temperature and/or flow rate of thecooling fluid should be adjusted. For example, once the cervical collar500 is placed on the patient and the cooling fluid is circulatingthrough the collar, at 1502A a differential threshold can bepredetermined. At 1504A, the core temperature of the patient is measuredand recorded. At 1506A, the temperature of the cerebral vasculature ofthe patient is measured and recorded. At 1508A, a temperature differencebetween the core temperature and the cerebral vasculature is determined.At 1510A, the temperature difference is compared to the differentialthreshold. If at 1512A the temperature difference does not meet thedifferential threshold, the process goes to 1514A and the temperatureand/or the flow rate of the cooling fluid is adjusted. The process thenloops back to 1504A and the process is repeated till the temperaturedifference meets the differential threshold. When the temperaturedifference meets the differential threshold then at 1512A, the processgoes to 1516A and the temperature or the flow rate of the cooling fluidis not adjusted. The process then loops back to 1504A and the process isrepeated to insure that the temperature difference continues to meet thedifferential threshold.

FIGS. 16-19 represent another example embodiment of a cervical collar1600 (hereinafter “collar”) incorporating a cooling device. The collar1600 includes an outer shell 1602, an adjustable support (not shown),and a cooling device 1606. It is to be appreciated that while the collar1600 can be used for inducing hypothermia, the collar 1600 can also beused as a standard cervical collar when a patient does not requiretherapeutic hypothermia.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the outer shell 1602 includes a frontportion 1608 fixedly coupled to a back portion 1610 on one side and afastening device 1612 attached to the back portion 1610 and removablycoupling the front and back portions 1608, 1610 on an opposite side. Thefeatures of the fastening device 1612 are similar to the fasteningdevice 108 described above and, as such, will not be repeated.

The outer shell 1602 is made from a flexible plastic material, such asbut not limited to polyethylene, polystyrene, etc. Further, both thefront and back portions 1608, 1610 include multiple panels 1614 eachconnected by hinged portions 1616 that further facilitate in theflexibility of the outer shell 1602. This configuration allows EMTpersonnel to control the flexibility of the collar 1600 and easilyadjust the collar 1600 to fit the patient. In addition, the flexibilitycharacteristic allows the collar 1600 to be packaged in a flat statethereby optimizing volume space for shipping and/or storage purposes.The front portion 1608 of the outer shell 1602 further includes multipleslots 1618 and multiple recesses 1620 disposed on each side of each slot1618. The multiple slots 1618 and multiple recesses 1620 facilitateattachment and adjustment of the support to the collar 1600 subsequentlydescribed.

The support is used to support the patient's chin and is adjustable toconform to the patient. The support includes attachment legs that attachthe support to the front portion 1608 and a connection part connectingdistal ends of the attachment legs. The connection part serves tosupport the patient's chin. Multiple slots 1618 are defined in the frontportion 1608 to receive the attachment legs to thereby connect thesupport to the collar 1600. The support can be adjusted by sliding eachattachment leg in each slot 1618 to a desired position. The attachmentlegs engage recesses 1620 defined on each side of each slot 1618 to lockthe support in its desired position.

As mentioned above, the connection part provides a connection betweenthe distal ends of the attachment legs. The connection point between theattachment legs and the connection part is hinged to facilitatepackaging. Specifically, when the collar 1600 is packaged in a flatstate, mentioned above, one attachment leg is disconnected from thecollar 1600 and laid in a flat state. This is possible because of thehinged connection.

Referring to FIG. 19, the cooling device 1606 includes one or morecooling packs 1630 integrated into an interior of the collar 1600. Thecooling pack(s) 1630 can be strategically disposed at essentiallocations on the cervical collar 1600 to target the areas of the neckdescribed above. For example, the cooling pack(s) 1630 can be located onthe front portion 1608 to target the carotid arteries and/or on the backportion 1610 to target the spinal cord area. The cooling pack(s) 1630can be any type of cooling pack, such as but not limited to chemicalpack. For example, the cooling pack(s) 1630 can be a granule-activationpacket uses a fluid 1632, such as but not limited to, water and achemical 1634, such as but not limited to, ammonium nitrate that whenmixed together create a cooling fluid. Once the cooling packs 1630 areactivated, the cervical collar 1600 can be placed on the patient toprovide the desired therapeutic hypothermia to essential portions of theneck area described above.

In other embodiments, the cervical collar disclosed herein can include amarking(s) and/or be made from different colors where the markingsand/or colors represent a particular attribute. For example, themarking(s) and/or color may represent a type of injury that the cervicalcollar should be used on, a size of the cervical collar, a cooling fluidflow rate, if the cervical collar is used as a cooling device (e.g., thecolor blue) or used as a warming device (e.g., the color red), etc. Inaddition, the cervical collar may include multiple markings or differentparts of the cervical collar may be made of different colors wherecertain combinations of markings and/or colors (e.g., the bladder may beone color and the outer shell may be a different color) represent one ormore attributes of the cervical collar, such as those listed above.

For example, as mentioned above, the cervical collar can selectivelycool the cerebral vasculature relative to the whole body. Thus, thecervical collar may include markings and/or be color coded to indicatethat the cervical collar can be used to electively cool the cerebralvasculature. As medical professionals have a number of medical devicesat their disposal, such as neck braces or other traditional cervicalcollars, the innovative cervical collar that includes markings and/or iscolor coded provides the medical professionals a vehicle to quicklyidentify the proper medical device required to treat the patient incircumstances where time is of the utmost importance.

As noted above, the innovation disclosed herein is not limited to acervical collar to treat the neck area of a person. The innovation canbe applied to any portion of the body that requires therapeutichypothermia treatments. Thus, while a particular type of cooling deviceis described and illustrated, it is to be understood that alternativeaspects can employ the cooling device without departing from the spiritand/or scope of the innovation.

What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. Itis, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the subjectinnovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that manyfurther combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible.Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system that facilitates therapeutic hypothermiacomprising: a collar including: a bladder having a front portion and aback portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side andremovably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side; and, whereinthe bladder selectively targets blood flowing through cerebralcirculation arteries thereby changing a temperature of the blood flowingthrough the cerebral circulation arteries to a patient's brain.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the cerebral circulation arteries include atleast one of internal (intracranial) carotid arteries, external carotidarteries, anterior cerebellar arteries, anterior inferior cerebellararteries, middle cerebral arteries, anterior spinal arteries, anteriorcommunicating arteries, ophthalmic arteries, vertebral veins andarteries, subclavian arteries, basilar arteries, posterior cerebellararteries, posterior inferior cerebellar arteries, posteriorcommunicating arteries, pontine arteries, superior cerebellar arteries,and the posterior spinal artery.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thebladder includes a plurality of cooling chambers that hold cooling fluidand a plurality of passageways that fluidly connect the plurality ofcooling chambers with each other.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein thebladder further includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected tothe plurality of passageways that provide a connection between a fluidsource and the plurality of cooling chambers.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the fluid cooling source is at least one of a portable coolingpack and a continuous cooling system.
 6. The system of claim 5, whereinthe portable cooling pack is connected to the inlet port and whereinfield personnel manually squeeze the cooling fluid into the plurality ofcooling chambers via the inlet port.
 7. The system of claim 6, whereinupon arrival at a medical facility, the portable cooling pack can beremoved from the inlet port and the continuous cooling system can beconnected to the inlet port and the outlet port whereby cooling fluid iscontinuously pumped through the bladder thereby transitioning the fluidsource from the portable cooling pack to the continuous cooling system.8. The system of claim 5, wherein the continuous cooling system isconnected to the inlet port and the outlet port whereby cooling fluid iscontinuously pumped through the bladder.
 9. The system of claim 8,wherein the continuous cooling system can be removed from the inlet andoutlet ports and the portable cooling pack can be connected to the inletport thereby allowing the patient to be transferred between medicalfacilities.
 10. A neck collar comprising: a bladder configured to holdfluid having front portion and a back portion fixedly coupled to thefront portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion onan opposite side; and an indicator that changes color based on a changein a measurable event, wherein the bladder is the indicator.
 11. Theneck collar of claim 10, wherein the measurable event is a change in atemperature of the fluid disposed inside the bladder.
 12. The neckcollar of claim 11, wherein the indicator changes in sequence from afirst color to a second color, to a third color, etc. as the temperatureof the fluid increases.
 13. The neck collar of claim 12, wherein theindicator changes back in sequence when the temperature of the fluiddecreases.
 14. The neck collar of claim 10, wherein the measurable eventis a passage of time.
 15. The neck collar of claim 14, wherein theindicator changes color each time an increment of a predetermined timepasses.
 16. The neck collar of claim 10 further comprising a fasteningdevice that removably couples the back portion to the front portion onthe opposite side.
 17. A method of inducing therapeutic hypothermiacomprising: placing a collar on a patient's neck; circulating coolingfluid through the cervical collar; determining a differential threshold;measuring the patient's core temperature; measuring the patient'scerebral vasculature temperature; determining a difference between thepatient's core temperature and the patient's cerebral vasculaturetemperature; comparing the difference to the differential threshold; anddetermining if the difference meets the differential threshold.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein if the difference meets the differentialthreshold, the method further comprising not adjusting a temperature anda flow rate of cooling fluid.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein if thedifference does not meet the differential threshold, the method furthercomprising adjusting a temperature and/or a flow rate of the coolingfluid.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the temperature and/or a flowrate of the cooling fluid is adjusted until the difference meets thedifferential threshold.